Udinese are looking to Scotland for reinforcements in defence, making another January approach for Celtic centre-back Stephen Welsh.
The young Scot will turn 22 later this month and plays as a centre-back, but can also do a job on the right side of defence.
A product of the Celtic youth academy, he only recently signed a new contract until 2025.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, Udinese have set their sights on Welsh and already saw an initial offer turned down, but are preparing an improved bid for the talent at circa €2m.
Welsh would be the third Scottish player in Serie A this season, after Aaron Hickey at Bologna and Liam Henderson for Empoli.
He has 19 competitive appearances for the Hoops this season, scoring two goals and providing one assist.
Udinese need a new defender, having sent Samir to Claudio Ranieri’s Watford in the January transfer window.
The two clubs are both owned by the Pozzo family, so regularly exchange players for little or no money.
Report: The incredibly insulting fee Udinese will look to sign #Celtic talent Stephen Welsh for @67HailHail https://t.co/dFJS5mSB48
— Celtic news now (@Celticnewsnow) January 10, 2022
lol
He’s a cracking player with plenty potential. Should be 12 million not 1.2
Don’t sell him
Terrible player. Barely worth €500k. He’s slow, can’t defend and very limited on the ball.